Understanding Profile Drafts
by Deb Essen
June 19-21, 2026
Learn how to use profile drafts as a powerful weaving design tool! We will learn how to translate a profile draft into thread by thread drafts for several weave structures. We will also discuss what kind of weave structures can use profile drafts and what structures can’t. Samples in round robin format, so everyone will go home with a sample of at least 5 weave structures discussed in class and have a chance to play with them.
Deb Essen is the author of “Easy Weaving with Supplemental Warps”. Deb completed HGA’s Certificate of Excellence, Level 1 (2004) and is an inducted member of the Montana Circle of American Masters in Folk and Traditional Arts (2011). Her passion is teaching the wonders of weaving.
Submit PaymentColor-and-Weave: A Design Technique
By Rebecca Winter
October 16-18, 2026
“Color-and-weave … occurs when there is a combining of two elements of weaving. These two elements are the weave structure and the use of two contrasting yarns as stripes in both the warp and the weft. A visual patterning is created that is seemingly unrelated to the weave structure or the use of color.” Winter, Rebecca. The Enigma of Shadow Weave Illuminated. Atglen, PA., Schiffer Publishing Co., Inc., 2022.
Does this definition intrigue and excite you? I have to admit, it always has for me. Is it possible to weave Color-and-Weave on any loom Absolutely!! This workshop is a round robin style exploration. Participants will receive drafts before the workshop, and will arrive with their loom warped and ready to weave. Each participant will weave on the looms of others, for a full learning opportunity, involving many color-and-weave drafts. Each loom will have a different draft. In round robin workshops, participants provide the yarn for their warp and enough yarn for each of the other participants to weave on their loom. This 3-day workshop is primarily for rigid heddle or shaft looms. The Weaving Drafts will be for 2, 4, 6, or 8 “shafts” and participants will need looms with these configurations to match their assigned draft. Participants will be given all the drafts in a multiple page binder filled with colorful handouts. Through this process, as described, participants will leave the workshop with an understanding of how to weave color-and-weave drafts, how it creates the third thing, and how to create their own unique color-and-weave drafts.
Sign up by emailing Lisa Baker or Robin Conrads.
Weaving Intensive—Supplementary Warp
January 16-18, 2027
This year’s study and workshop will be focused on Supplementary Warp. As you study this topic and decide on your particular project, please share that information with Hanna Meinikheim so there are a variety of projects for the attendees to work on. Looms are available to borrow from the guild, but they go fast. Contact Vila Cox to reserve a loom. If you are using it for the Intensive, the rental fee is waived for that month. More information and registration will be announced in the Fall of 2026, but study for this topic can begin at any time. It’s a teacherless workshop, so study is done independently, but if you need help there are lots of people available. Just ask.
Intensive Committee: Robin Conrads, Hanna Meinikheim, Connie Griffin, and Nancy Alzola.